BUFFALO – In their 48-year history, the Sabres have won 10 straight games just twice, so if you did not already know, their current nine-game run is a big deal.
The streak that vaulted the Sabres to the NHL’s top spot on Saturday has made them relevant in the hockey world for the first time in years. The Sabres, the league’s laughingstock a season ago, have quickly morphed into a legitimate contender.
Their success has also reinvigorated a fan base beaten down by years of losing.
Everyone in town might be talking about the streak except the Sabres.
“We don’t talk about it,” said Housley, whose team hosts San Jose on Tuesday inside KeyBank Center. “We just focus on the next game and focus on the San Jose Sharks, because they just went through a tough game (lost 6-0 to Vegas) and we know the hair is going to be up on the back of their neck and we’re going to have to be ready.”
That narrow focus has probably been critical to the Sabres’ progress. If Housley has a short memory – “I try to tend to forget last year,” he joked about the last-place finish – his players might follow suit.
Check back later for more on the Sabres’ streak and a look back at their incredible 10-0 start to the 2006-07 season.
Back then, long before a seven-year run of losing, the Sabres were the biggest thing in town.
“I’m happy for our fans,” Housley said. “Last year was a very difficult year for them, especially at home here. But we’ve done a really good job of just staying on the course. I’m excited for our fans to see some winning hockey up to this point.”
In other news, Housley said winger Conor Sheary left this morning’s practice with a “little tweak” and will be a game-time decision Tuesday. Housley expects him to play.
Housley also said defenseman Zach Bogosian had a maintenance day today.
Meanwhile, Housley said forward Patrik Berglund skated on his own today and is “making strides” to return from an upper-body injury.